Revitalization of the Chalk River Laboratories

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A 10-year transformation designed to revitalize a national icon

Over the next decade, CNL will be transforming its Chalk River Laboratories (CRL) through the revitalization of essential site infrastructure, the decommissioning of aging infrastructure and a significant investment in new, world-class science facilities. The transformation will position CNL to remain a leader in developing peaceful and innovative applications from nuclear technology through its expertise in physics, metallurgy, chemistry, biology and engineering.

As we become more adaptable and responsive to the needs of our customers in government, academia and the private sector, we will generate further opportunities for CNL and Canada’s nuclear industry beyond traditional market segments. We will turn the new investments at CRL into advances in clean energy, health, safe and secure borders, and a clean and healthy environment.

For our local communities in the Upper Ottawa Valley, the investments planned mean we will remain a stable, long-term partner and employer. We continue to rely on our skilled local workforce and the support of our neighbours in the region. As CNL grows so will the opportunities for our local supply chain. Through commercial and academic partnerships, we will attract innovative companies to work beside us, and the best and brightest candidates to work for us.

The first phase of the Master Plan process focused on the Entry Precinct and the south half of the Campus Precinct, which encompasses the Supervised Area, a portion of the Controlled Area and the site’s main parking lots. This is where a number of CNL’s “Vision 2026” priority projects will be built, including an Advanced Nuclear Materials Research Centre, a Business Hub, a CNL Support Facility and a Logistics/Warehouse Facility. In addition, CNL is planning a new hydro switchyard and has proposed a near surface disposal facility (NSDF). The latter will allow for the decommissioning of existing buildings and create the appropriate conditions for a clean and revitalized campus. CNL has received a funding commitment from AECL of $1.2 billion over the next ten years to realize these and other projects within Vision 2026.